• By: NP Traveller
• Nov 02, 2024
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Discover Mussoorie and Landour: A Complete Guide to the Queen of Hills

Author: Alka Hantwal

If you have seen the iconic movie ‘Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna’ and wondered about the background where Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukherjee’s characters are brought to life, then a visit to the ‘Queen of Hills’ is a must do. The tranquil background in the movie is none other than that of the Queen of hills; Mussoorie-located in the heart of Uttarakhand. But now let us help you get out of thinking about the location, and help you plan a visit to this twin town mountain beauty.

History

Mussoorie was established as a summer retreat by the British in the early 19th century. Perfect for the people who were interested in exploring the town’s culture which is deeply reflected in the old bungalows, church, residences, and much more. You would connect with the cultural essence & kind hospitality of the people here. There still are some Anglo-Indian families in the region who have significantly contributed to reviving the richness of British cultural practices such as afternoon teas, colonial-style gardens, and the British-influenced culinary tradition. So you will still get to experience some unforgettable memories here.

1. Kempty Fall: Dive into the shimmering veil

If you have made a trip to Mussoorie in the summer what could be better than to splash some water and beat the heat with a visit to the Kempty fall? Traveling solo or with the family, you can truly enjoy the cool midst of this waterfall. Interestingly the waterfall got its name ‘Kempty’ from the combination of the words ‘camp’ and ‘tea’ where back in  British times, the officials used to hold tea parties here, making it a popular spot. The water falls from a rocky cliff making it a serene spot perfect for swimming.

2. Mall Road: Unraveling the Streets

There is no better way to know a place than to travel around the streets and Mall Road is a perfect adventure in itself. Located in the center of Mussoorie, connecting the Library Chowk area to Gun Hill Point. The mall offers a shop-till-you-drop kind of experience. From the viewing deck at the Mall, you can gaze at the stunning view of Himalayan ranges and capture a panoramic glimpse of the Doon Valley and the Shivalik Hills. At the end of Mall Road, you can enjoy

 3. Gun Hill Point

It would be really thrilling if you commute to this location via a cable car ride which takes you to one of the highest points in Mussoorie. It’s like the saying to kill two birds with one stone but in this scenario just by visiting Mall Road, you can explore different facets of adventure as per your interest Here you have highlights like the  Christ Church, Mussoorie Heritage Centre, Tibetan Market, photography spree, horse riding etc.

Attractions in Landour

Away from the hustle and bustle of Mussoorie, just a few kilometers away, Landour serves as a peaceful retreat much closer to the heritage and legacy of Mussoorie. It has much cultural significance attached to it as it is home to the famous author Ruskin Bond, whose influence is often seen in his weekly visit to Cambridge Book Store on Mall Road.

1.  Chaar Dukaan 

This place over time has become a bustling hub for tourists and locals alike. A set of four iconic tea shops established in the 19th century, the Char Duran is a must-stop shop where the saying goes. After visiting this place, you will get to know why there’s a saying “ A cup of tea is a cup of peace’’ because these shops have been serving visitors for generations and are a great place to enjoy a cup of tea often which is often accompanied by local snacks like pakoras,  and samosas & the must-have egg omelets.

2.  Kellog’s Church

The St.Paul’s Church, surrounded by lush greenery,  is a storehouse of tranquility. The church’s neo-Gothic architecture is one of the biggest draws, particularly the stained glass window with vibrant depictions of biblical scenes and intricate designs.

3. Bakehouse Bakery

A splendid bakery for those looking at freshly baked here kind of products, you must stop by here for a cup of coffee & a cookie. Right outside the bakery is a leisurely walk to a local handicraft shop offering handicrafts, woolenwear, and other souvenirs.

Conclusion

Unlike Mussoorie, Landour is not commercially developed but that is what makes it perfect for finding solace and tranquility, the quiet surroundings are great for spiritual retreats such as yoga and wellness activities. If you want to experience creative power, many writers have chosen Landour over other places for the source of inspiration.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please note that parking a vehicle in & around Landour & Mussoorie is not an option, vehicles are parked at the common parking area & one has to take the exploration of these twin townships on foot.  

1. How to Reach- From Delhi :

• By Air: From Delhi to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport – From Dehradun Airport it’s about a 1.5-hour journey to reach Mussoorie.

• Train: Train:( Delhi to Hardiwar)
• Shatabdi Express (12017/12018): Fast and comfortable, takes around 5 hours.
• Nanda Devi Express (12205/12206): A more budget-friendly option, takes around 6-7 hours.
• Haridwar Mail (12687/12688): Another regular option, takes around 6-7 hours.

• Car – From Delhi ( 290 km / 6-7 hours drive): You can drive to Mussoorie from Delhi via the Delhi Dehradun Highway NH-58. 

• Bus – There are direct buses such as Uttarakhand State Transport & Volvo buses that run overnight and during daytime from ISBT Kashmiri Gate in Delhi.

FROM DEHRADUN:

• The nearest city connected to Mussoorie is Dehradun, you can take a taxi, or private car/ Ola cabs that operate frequently between Dehradun and Mussoorie. It is a 34 km / 1-hour drive from Dehradun to Mussoorie.

2. Local Transport: Around the twin town 

The best way to explore this place is by foot, especially in the Mall Road and nearby areas. In this way, you can enjoy the scenic beauty of this place.

Cable cars or Ropeway can be really exciting to travel for a relatively short & fixed destination.

3. Accommodation  

Budget Options:

• YMCA Guest House- This YMCA Guest House is ideal for students or groups with clean rooms near Mall Road
• Look for hotels on Spring Road.

Deluxe

• Royal Orchid Fort Resort- A beautiful resort that combines colonial charm with modern comfort. It features multi-cuisine restaurants, a spa, and outdoor facilities.
• Mussoorie Gateway-This modern property offers a serene atmosphere with stunning views of hills. The hotel offers a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of Mussoorie.

Luxury

• The Savoy-Taj Hotels- It’s a heritage property offering an opulent, colonial style known for its exceptional service, beautiful architecture, and scenic views. It’s perfect for guests seeking a luxurious refined experience in the heart of Mussoorie located near Library Chowk.
• Rokeby Manor- A charming boutique hotel located in Landour that perfectly blends Victorian-era architecture. It offers exquisite rooms with a cozy library with a touch of heritage.

4. Places to Eat

• Vegetarian – The Mall Road Bistro- This place provides Continental, Indian, and Cafe-style cuisine and offers great vegetarian options like Veg Burgers, Paneer Tikka, and Pasta. Perfect for a meal with a cup of coffee.
• Chaar Dukaan- Located near Lal Tibba and offers a great variety of snacks with the show stopper ‘tea’.

• Non-Vegetarian
• Kashmiri Shaan- It offers a great selection of non-vegetarian dishes, especially Kashmiri-style meats. Some popular choices that you can try include Kebab, Rogan Josh, and Chicken Yakhni.
• The Star View Restaurant- Located near Library Chowk, serves a variety of non-vegetarian options ranging from Fish fry to Mutton Sekh kebabs with a perfect view which goes without saying.

• Vegan
• Little Llama Cafe- A trendy cafe with a variety of Vegan Options and with cozy atmosphere.
• Doma’s Inn- You can try vegan momos particularly over here with other options available as well.